fitting techniques for DIY windows/doors

On the Wickes ones you remove the glazing, but it's easy as it isn't stuck in at this stage.

MBQ

Just use foam. Position the door/window with packers to give the correct clearances then use the appropriate foam - has a BS number, but any good quality foam should do. If it is a particlularly large French window etc you may need a screw through fixing or two, but I haven't used them.

They usually come with the glazing not fitted in the first place IME. Usual way to fix is a couple of long screws through the frame into the opening, and make good with expanding foam. Finally fit the glass and glazing beads.

The B&Q way sounds pretty sensible. Easier to transport and install. Everyone has trouble getting the plastic beading in, espoecially on bigger windows

No. The B&Q way just makes the frames 'Kin heavy to lift into place since you are lifting the glazing as well, especially on bigger windows.

The sensible way is to fit the frame (properly mind you, not just gluing it in with foam as one poster said), then fit the glazing.

I've never had a problem with the beading.

MBQ

The last window I bought from Wickes had these optional tabs as well but the fixed glass units did not have their security tape exposed so you could remove them if you wanted to fix through the frame. I didn't use the tabs because I had to use frame extensions anyway but they are a good idea in some cases. The only real pain was the weight of the glass in the opening units which was already secured. It certainly makes it harder to align the frame especially when there's more weight on one side.

As far as beading goes I've found it to have become easier to fit over the years. I can now insert it with less force and mostly without the aid of any tools. The upvc windows I bought in the early 90s required a lot of mallet action before the beading would sit.

That's true

Those I've fitted needed a lot of forward pressure to get the glass against the front seal before the bead snaps into place, and then difficult to move it up or down to line it up precisely

The message from snipped-for-privacy@hotmail.com contains these words:

There are frames out there whose manufacturers recommend using foam alone. Unfortunately I can't for the life of me find the reference now, but I do remember looking it up when I first heard of it.

The message from snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com contains these words:

Silicone spray used to help quite a bit!